Cornerstone and Light Blues go head-to-head in friendly Pool challenge

The two organisations doing what they do best in strengthening connections, celebrating camaraderie, and supporting great causes

The Essex Cornerstone Club and the Essex Light Blues Association recently came together for a fantastic evening of friendly competition, fellowship, and fundraising at the Boom Battle Bar in Lakeside.

The two groups faced off in a pool challenge that was, by all accounts, extremely close. After a spirited series of matches the final score stood at 22–2 in favour of the Light Blues a result that Cornerstone members maintain does not fully reflect just how competitive the evening really was!

Not to be deterred, the teams moved on to shuffleboard where Cornerstone staged a comeback, taking the win and restoring a little pride before the evening concluded.

More importantly than the scoreline, the event was a great opportunity for new and young Freemasons from across Essex to come together, enjoy each other’s company, and strengthen the friendships that exist across our Lodges and organisations.

Thanks to the generosity of those attending, the evening also raised £285, supporting Cornerstone’s £10,000 for 10-years challenge and Get Started Art, helping ensure that the night made a positive difference beyond the pool table.

Jamie Barton, Chairman of the Essex Light Blues Association, said:
“It was a brilliant evening and exactly what the Light Blues are all about bringing new Freemasons together, building friendships and having a good laugh along the way. The scoreline might suggest a comfortable win for us, but it was all played in great spirit and we’re already looking forward to the rematch.”

Paul Williams, Chairman of the Essex Cornerstone Club, added:
“Events like this are what Cornerstone is all about bringing brethren together from across the Province, having some fun, and raising money for great causes at the same time. While the pool score might not go down as one of our finest sporting moments, the shuffleboard comeback proved we still have some competitive spirit!”

Both organisations would like to thank everyone who attended and helped make the event such a success. Events like this highlight the spirit of Freemasonry in Essex friendship, fun, and working together for good causes.

With such a great evening enjoyed by all, talk of a rematch has already begun… and Cornerstone are quietly hoping it might involve a little more shuffleboard.

The Essex Cornerstone Club (and Lodge) run by younger Freemasons in Essex, dedicated to supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged people under the age of 40 through grants, donations, and community projects in conjunction with The Essex Cornerstone Foundation Charity which they launched in 2021.

Essex Light Blues Association are brethren who have not achieved a Metropolitan, Provincial, or District rank